The Maritime Correspondents’ Organization of Nigeria (MARCON) has applauded the federal government’s renewed commitment to implementing the National Single Window (NSW) project, describing it as a transformative initiative capable of reviving the economy and restoring efficiency to Nigeria’s trade operations.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Ismail Aniemu, and Secretary, Olamide Osho, MARCON commended the government for finally taking concrete steps to actualize the long-delayed project after more than 15 years of stalled attempts.
The association said the move marks a turning point in Nigeria’s trade facilitation drive and will help reposition the country as an economic leader in Africa.
MARCON also praised the National Single Window Project Directorate under the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for adopting an inclusive and collaborative approach to implementation, noting that consistent stakeholder engagement and public sensitization demonstrate a shared commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s import and export processes.
According to the group, the NSW will streamline documentation and automate approvals, eliminating redundant paperwork and overlapping agency functions.
This, it added, will significantly cut cargo clearance times, reduce demurrage costs, and save businesses billions of naira annually by tackling long-standing inefficiencies in the ports and logistics chain.
MARCON emphasized that the system’s full deployment will not only simplify trade but also enhance competitiveness, creating a more business-friendly environment for both large corporations and small enterprises.
“Importers and exporters can now avoid unnecessary costs from port delays, while small enterprises will gain easier access to global markets,” the association noted, adding that the improved flow of goods will stimulate productivity across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and e-commerce.
Speaking on the transformative nature of the initiative, the group described the NSW as a “revolutionary process” that would transition Nigeria into a digital trade environment.
“The one document submission accessible and usable for security, regulatory, and revenue purposes without the old way of multiple submissions, thereby eliminating the cumbersome bottlenecks of various government agencies, is the right way to go,” the statement read.
The association explained that the shift to a paperless transaction system will promote transparency, reduce trade disputes, and increase accountability among all users.
“We are optimistic about the responsibility of accountability that the NSW shall place on all users, as it will, no doubt, usher in true trade facilitation and ease of doing business. We call on all business people to join in working for the success of the project, which commences by the end of the first quarter in 2026,” the statement added.
MARCON also underscored the broader economic impact of the project, noting that it would enhance government revenue, reduce administrative costs, and curb financial leakages through improved transparency and automation. The system is also expected to strengthen anti-corruption measures, boost investor confidence, and attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
The group urged players across the import, export, manufacturing, and logistics sectors to prepare for a technology-driven era of operations that will require capacity development and adaptability to new digital tools.
“This process will reinforce Nigeria’s position as Africa’s economic powerhouse, leveraging its influential population and trade volume,” the association said.
With the NSW implementation scheduled to commence by the end of the first quarter of 2026, MARCON reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote efficient trade facilitation, transparency, and economic growth.
